Harris talks Florida visit

Chris Nee | Recruiting Analyst

Rivals100 safety Marcell Harris, who is now at Orlando (Fla.) Dr. Phillips after transferring from Groveland (Fla.) South Lake, hit the road on Saturday to check out the University of Florida's Junior Day. Florida is a football program that Harris is very familiar with, as his father played there and he has been around the football program multiple times in recent years. On Saturday though, Harris was able to learn more about the academic-side of the University of Florida.

"It was good," Harris said. "It was a little bit different. They showed us around a little bit differently than they have before. It gave a perspective of what you would be coming into from an academic standpoint. I got to see the campus some more and all of the facilities. You also learn more about the academics and where classes are and stuff."

The visit also provided an opportunity for the 6-foot-2, 205-pound defensive back to learn more about Jeff Dillman, Florida's new director of strength and conditioning.

"We learned a lot about the new strength coach," Harris said. "That impacts me a lot, the strength coach. I guess he has a lot of technique and a lot of different things he is bringing to the program. That was a good deal.

"He is bringing power and quickness of the muscles via technology, with today's lifting," Harris added. "He has a different style. It is just big on muscle twitch and all of that stuff."

In addition to learning about Dillman, Harris was also able to spend time with Florida defensive backs coach Travaris Robinson. Harris has developed a good relationship with his prospective position coach.

"He was just telling me that I am still one of their top targets," Harris said. "I met with him in the sessions where all the defensive backs came in and then during a one-on-one session. He talked about the defense they will be running and the personnel. He talked about how communication is the key."

Florida's Junior Day proved to be very fruitful with six prospects pledging their services to Florida. Two of those commitments were defensive backs, Rivals100 four-star safety Nick Washington and four-star safety Keanu Neal. Despite the barrage of commitments that Harris was present for, he says he wasn't considering making a decision at any point on Saturday.

"I didn't," Harris said. "We talked about it but I am just not ready. They weren't pressuring me because they know I am waiting. I have some schools to still look at during the summer time. Florida is a good school though and they are someone I am always going to consider. I am just waiting right now and we will see what happens."

Harris mentioned plans to visit schools such as Louisville, Notre Dame, and Ohio State in the upcoming months. At this stage of the process, does he have a leader?